Postdoctoral Research Associate

About the role

A position is available for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the research group led by Prof Carlo Rinaldi at the University of Oxford. The group explores genetic causes of neurological disorders and aim to develop therapies for such conditions with a high complementary approach, ranging from stem cell modelling to functional genomic.

Enhancers play a pivotal role in governing gene expression, and their disruption is increasingly recognized as a key driver of diseases. This is an exciting opportunity for a postdoctoral scientist to help lead a project focusing on interrogating enhancer function in the context of rare neurological diseases, with the goal to precisely modulate enhancer activity to fine-tune gene expression patterns and offer treatment opportunities for these diseases. The project will use a wide variety of data processing, data analysis, and statistical techniques to functional genomic data (ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, co-accessibility). Analysis will be performed on collaborative cloud computing environments using the extensive computing infrastructure developed by the Sanders Lab.

You will be involved with all aspects of the data analysis including design, conduct, and dissemination. The post holder will work at the newly built Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM) at the Old Road Campus of University of Oxford in the laboratories of Prof Carlo Rinaldi. You will be well supported by the existing joint team, currently consisting of postdocs, bioinformaticians, PhD candidates, and research assistants.

The post holder will be able to receive training in collaborating labs in order to benefit from interaction with researchers in diverse environments. You will be encouraged to attend training and research skill courses provided by the University of Oxford. There will be opportunities for contributing to and leading grant applications if appropriate, as well as being encouraged to submit work for presentation at national and international conferences. In addition, experience gained by supervision and mentoring of junior members in the lab will be useful for career development. The successful applicant will be expected to provide guidance and assistance to other researchers in the group and students, help in the preparation of scientific publications, and represent the group at public engagement events.

This position is offered full-time on a fixed-term contract initially for one year or until 30 September 2026, whichever is sooner, with the possibility to extend provided further external funding is available.

This role meets the criteria for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

About the department

The Department of Paediatrics holds the Athena Swan Gold award (a national gender equality charter) acknowledging the innovative policies and practices developed across the department. We encourage staff to develop their skills by offering all staff ten paid days of professional development each year and have a policy where staff can apply to receive funding for further training.

In addition to the University of Oxford 

, the Department of Paediatrics sponsors weekly exercise classes such as yoga and bootcamp sessions as well as a choir. For staff on work visas, we also offer financial assistance towards visa renewal fees. These activities are designed to promote physical and mental wellbeing among staff members.

Please visit our 

 to find out more about the Department.

About you

This is a highly collaborative position, so excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Applicants will need to hold a PhD, or be near completion, in Translational research, Neuroscience, Genetics, or a related subject. You will need to have demonstrated proficiency in stem cell culture, human genetics, translational research, and/or bioinformatics leading to impactful publications and experiencing in clinical research.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a CV and Supporting Statement as part of your online application. The Supporting Statement should include a cover letter and should also clearly describe how you meet each of the selection criteria listed in the job description. Click 

for information and advice on writing an effective Supporting Statement.

To discuss the post in more detail, please contact Carlo Rinaldi, Professor of Molecular and Translational Neuroscience, using the contact details below.

Only online applications received before 12.00 midday on Tuesday 29 April 2025 will be considered. Interviews will be held as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department of Paediatrics offers an Interview Expense Reimbursement Policy in its efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion. Should you be invited to interview, we will share further information about the policy at that stage.